Annual sea mullet run is on

COMMERCIAL fishing activity in the Sandy Strait and Fraser Island waters will increase during the annual sea mullet run.

Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol district manager Greg Bowness said the traditional winter migration of the sea mullet provided commercial operators with an important opportunity and netting activity had already escalated.

"Seafood wholesalers should have a plentiful supply of fresh local mullet," he said.

"It is a commercially important species and although inspections show high levels of compliance with fisheries regulations, including fish size, licensing, net length and mesh size, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrols will be in the region to monitor activity.

"The minimum size limit for sea mullet is 30 centimetres."

Mr Bowness said anyone who suspected illegal fishing should report it to the Fishwatch hotline on 1800017116.

"It is important not to approach the people involved as it can compromise an investigation," he said.

During the sea mullet run, recreational fishers are asked to allow commercial netters to conduct their activities safely by giving them room to operate.